History
Serving South Shore Since 1871
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A Family Business is BornON MARCH 17, 1871, in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, Alvin Hollis (and his brothers) distributed a flyer to prospective customers that stated his company would “deliver ice by careful and attentive drivers three times per week in warm weather.” -
From Ice, to Firewood, to CoalAlvin Hollis supplied ice to customers, but he quickly diversified. Careful and attentive drivers made their way to outlying farms where they also delivered firewood, coal, hay, grain, and flour. As years passed, subsequent family owners also kept an eye on market changes and diversified accordingly, always retaining the policy for customer service.
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The Second GenerationJ. Leonard Bicknell, Alvin’s son-in-law, operated the company delivering coal in the first half of the 20th century, and succeeded, despite the Great Depression.
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The Third GenerationAlvin Bicknell, took over the reins in 1939 when J. Leonard Bicknell died. Alvin was just 18 years old. The third-generation owner directed business during World War II and supervised the company’s transition from coal to fuel oil delivery. Post World War II years spurred fuel oil growth, although by 1971 there were still 25 coal customers on the books.
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The Fourth GenerationLen Bicknell and his brother James became company directors in 1989. They were the fourth generation to see that South Shore customers receive fuel to heat their homes. Like their father, the brothers acquired several companies in order to add customers. Like their forbears, they observed New England consumer needs and adapted company services accordingly.
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The Fifth Generation Leads OnLaura Bicknell Carbone, Alvin Hollis’s great-great granddaughter, started as a 16-year-old typist and is now vice president of the company that provides heating, air-conditioning, and plumbing services throughout the south suburbs.
Customer Testimonials
4.6 Rating from 245 Reviews
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"Customer service like this really makes a difference. Highly recommend!"Great experience with Alvin Hollis Oil in Weymouth! Darlene was amazing—kind, compassionate, and super quick to help us out.Chase O.
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"Alvin Hollis did a remarkable job replacing our boiler."Whenever there’s a problem no matter the time, someone is right out to help us. Thank you again!Lisa J.
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"Definitely recommend!"I called for help after midnight and someone was here in less than half an hour and they were back within 2 days installing a new one.Lauren N.
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"Keep up the good work, Alvin Hollis!"They have replaced my boiler, my oil tank and central A/C system. Their prices are competitive, and their technicians are well-skilled & always pleasant.Abbie L.
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"My wife and I have been Alvin Hollis customers since 1975."I travel quite a lot. I'm confident that Alvin Hollis will take care of the systems in our home to keep my wife safe and comfortable.Arthur M.
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"The removal and installation went very smoothly."The local Fire Chief arrived today to perform an inspection on the tank and installation and mentioned, unprompted, "Yes, Alvin Hollis does great work."Ted L.
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"We use Alvin Hollis for all our heating and ac needs and highly recommend them."They installed it in one day and removed all the old equipment. This new unit works great. The installer did a great job and made sure everything was working properly and explained the controls for me.William B.
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"Would highly recommend for your HVAC and oil delivery needs!"Professional, knowledgeable staff and excellent experience over the past 3 years leads me to the logical conclusion of 5 star rating.Shant B.
